Now that you have the fly line connected to your reel's backing, it's time to connect that line to your fly-fishing leader. If your leader doesn't have a loop in it already, you'll have to make one before using the "loop-to-loop" connection to join the two parts.
Steps Tie the Fly-Fishing Line to the Leader
- Make a surgeon's loop in the end of your leader. To do this, form a loop in the end of the leader, which will double the line. Take that doubled line and make a simple overhand knot, wrapping the end around and back through itself (but keep from pulling it tight).
- Bring the loop end through the knot one more time and then tighten. Pull on the loop end with one hand and the standing end (the rest of the line, not used to tie a knot) with the other. Trim the loose end.
- Use the loop-to-loop connection now that you have loops at the ends of the leader and the fly line. To do this, first put the fly line loop through the larger end of the leader loop.
- Take the small end of the leader section and pass it through the fly line loop.
- Tighten the connection by pulling the fly line and the leader in opposite directions with a constant and steady motion. The connection should resemble a square knot when you're done.
- Clip the ends of your knot, leaving about 1/8 inch so that it won't slip. Trim close to the knot, but allow a little room for it to move when tightened.
